Mechanic says i need new alternator(just got new belt and belt tensioner last month??)

[Gimme3steps]

[quote=Robhu;14792267
In rebuilt, only the single defective part or parts in the unit is replaced. And of course the unit is cleaned up.[/quote]

That's known as a spray and pray

Spray paint the outer parts and pray the internal parts work

[KoobleKar]

Originally Posted by Robhu

There is a difference between remanufactured and rebuilt.
In rebuilt, only the single defective part or parts in the unit is replaced. And of course the unit is cleaned up.
In remanufactured, everything is replaced except for the case.
I wont buy rebuilt items.
But remanufactured items are about as good as new ones. Only the old case is reused. All the internal parts are new. Or are supposed to be.
And from a reputable company, they will be.

That certainly isn't the case where I do business.

The rebuild shop I deal with basically does re-manufacture them. They may use some more parts from the old unit that are still healthy than just the case, but they rewind the motor windings, new brushes, bearings, etc.

I've watched them do this from start to finish before.

[d4g4m]

Just a technical note. There's probably nothing wrong with the alternator. All new alternators have a built in voltage regulator. The voltage regulator is probably the problem not allowing 13 volts go to the battery to charge it. Like most parts on todays vehicles, you can't replace just that part, you have to buy the alternator.